How to Make a Wedding Thank You Speech with Examples

A wedding thank you speech is one of the most important parts of any wedding reception. They are a way to express your gratitude to all of those gathered especially your parents, who have supported you throughout your life and helped you plan this special day.

As a wedding videographer, I’ve witnessed countless beautiful moments on the big day. But one that consistently tugs at the heartstrings? The heartfelt thank you speeches were delivered by the happy couple. It’s a chance to express gratitude to loved ones who helped make the day so special, especially your parents.

However, crafting the perfect speech can feel daunting. Fear not! This guide will equip you with all the tools you need. We’ll explore key elements for a well-rounded speech, offer tips on overcoming nerves, and even show you real-world video examples to spark inspiration. Let’s ensure your thank you speech resonates with everyone present, and becomes a cherished memory captured forever in your wedding video.

What do you include in a wedding thank you speech?

A well-delivered wedding thank you speech is a beautiful way to express gratitude to everyone who helped make your special day unforgettable. It’s your chance to acknowledge the love and support you’ve received, and create a lasting memory for you and your guests. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements you should consider including:

1. Warm Welcome and Attention Grabber:

Start by greeting your audience. A simple “Good evening everyone” or “Thank you all for coming” works well. You can then grab their attention with a heartfelt sentiment about the day, a lighthearted anecdote about your relationship, or a brief introduction of your parents (especially if some guests are unfamiliar with them).

2. Expressing Gratitude:

This is the core of your speech. Here, you express your sincere appreciation to everyone who played a part in your wedding. Thank your guests for celebrating with you, especially those who traveled long distances. You can also extend your gratitude to specific groups like your family, friends, the wedding party, vendors, or anyone who went above and beyond to make the day special.

3. Highlighting Special People:

This section adds a personal touch and allows you to acknowledge loved ones in a more specific way. You can thank your parents for their unwavering support throughout your life, perhaps mentioning a specific value they instilled in you or a cherished memory you share. Briefly thanking your partner’s parents for welcoming you into the family is also a nice gesture. Your wedding party members can also be acknowledged for their help and friendship in planning the wedding.

4. Expressing Love to Your Partner:

Take a moment to express your love and appreciation for your new spouse. Briefly share your excitement about embarking on this journey together as a married couple.

5. Closing and Toast (Optional):

Conclude your speech by thanking everyone again for their presence and well wishes. You can express your hope for a joyous celebration throughout the rest of the evening. Optionally, raise a toast to your future together or to your loved ones.

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Who do you thank in your speech?

In your wedding thank you speech, you can express gratitude to a variety of people who contributed to making your special day possible. Here’s a breakdown of the key groups you might want to consider thanking:

All Guests: This is a great way to kick off your speech. Thank everyone for attending your wedding and celebrating this momentous occasion with you. You can especially express appreciation to those who traveled long distances to be there.

Family: This is your chance to acknowledge the love and support you’ve received from your family throughout your life. Thank your parents for their guidance, sacrifices, and unwavering support. You can also thank siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or any other family member who played a significant role.

Friends: Express gratitude to your close friends who have been by your side through thick and thin. You can thank them for their friendship, well wishes, and for being a part of your special day.

Wedding Party: Acknowledge your bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid/man of honor, and best man for their help in planning the wedding and for being there to support you on your big day. Mention any specific ways they helped make the wedding run smoothly.

Vendors: Briefly thank the vendors who made your wedding a success. This could include the photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, DJ/band, venue staff, officiant, hair and makeup stylists, or any other vendors who contributed to your special day.

Your Partner: This is your chance to express your love and appreciation for your new spouse. Briefly share how excited you are to embark on this journey together as a married couple.

Remember:

• You don’t have to thank everyone individually, especially if you have a large guest list.
• Keep your speech concise and focus on the most important people who made your wedding special.
• Be genuine and express your gratitude from the heart.pen_spark

How long should a wedding thank you speech be?

A wedding thank you speech should ideally be short and sweet, aiming for a length between 2 to 5 minutes. Here’s why:

• Attention Span: Guests have likely been celebrating for a while and might be ready to enjoy the food, music, and conversation. A concise speech keeps them engaged without dragging on.
• Respect for Others: Multiple people might be delivering speeches throughout the reception. A shorter speech ensures everyone gets a chance to be heard and avoids monopolizing the attention.
• Emotional Impact: Shorter speeches can often pack a stronger emotional punch. They allow you to express your gratitude sincerely without rambling or losing focus.

Here’s a breakdown of the ideal timeframe:

• 2-3 minutes: This is a great sweet spot for a concise and impactful speech. It allows you to thank the key people and express your emotions without feeling rushed.
• 4-5 minutes: This is the absolute maximum you should aim for. If you find your speech going longer, consider trimming down the thank yous to specific groups or anecdotes.

Remember:

• It’s better to have a heartfelt and concise speech than a long and drawn-out one.
• Practice your speech beforehand to ensure you can deliver it comfortably within the desired time frame.

Photos in this article courtesy of Ben & Hope Photography.